HDB Painting Cost in Singapore (2026): Real Prices by Flat Type
In 2026, repainting a whole HDB flat (walls and ceilings, two coats of standard emulsion, labour included) typically costs $650 to $1,100 for a 3-room, $850 to $1,450 for a 4-room and $1,000 to $1,700 for a 5-room. Single rooms start around $150. Wall condition, colours and paint grade cause most of the price differences between quotes.
In this guide
If you’ve started asking around, you’ve probably noticed that quotes for the same flat can be hundreds of dollars apart. Sometimes the cheap quote is a good deal. Often it’s a quote for less work. This guide gives you realistic 2026 price ranges, based on the quotes our partner painters send for HDB jobs across Singapore, so you know what’s fair before you commit.
HDB painting prices by flat type (2026)
| Flat type | Walls & ceilings | Walls only | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-room (approx. 45 sqm) | $450 – $800 | $380 – $650 | 1 |
| 3-room (approx. 65 to 70 sqm) | $650 – $1,100 | $550 – $900 | 1 – 2 |
| 4-room (approx. 90 to 95 sqm) | $850 – $1,450 | $700 – $1,200 | 2 – 3 |
| 5-room (approx. 110 to 120 sqm) | $1,000 – $1,700 | $850 – $1,400 | 2 – 3 |
| Executive / maisonette (approx. 130 sqm+) | $1,200 – $2,100 | $1,000 – $1,750 | 3 – 4 |
These ranges assume a mid-range emulsion such as Nippon Paint Odour-less or Dulux Pentalite, a reasonably good wall surface, and up to two or three colours. Premium paint, many colours or heavy repairs will put you at the top of the range or above it.
Per-room HDB painting prices
Only want a few rooms done? Most painters price per room, with a minimum charge of around $150 to $300 per visit.
| Area | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Common bedroom | $150 – $280 |
| Master bedroom | $200 – $350 |
| Living and dining | $250 – $500 |
| Kitchen | $120 – $250 |
| Bathroom ceiling (each) | $80 – $180 |
| Household shelter | $60 – $150 |
If you’re doing three rooms or more, ask for a whole-flat price. It’s often only slightly more and saves on repeated minimum charges.
What a fair HDB painting quote includes
A good quote is specific. If it just says “paint whole house, $800”, you have no idea what you’re paying for. Look for:
- Paint brand and product name, for example “Nippon Odour-less All-in-1, walls; Nippon Ceiling Paint, ceilings”
- Number of coats, which should be two for walls
- Preparation: crack filling, sanding, sealer on patches and stains
- Protection: covering floors and furniture, masking switches and frames
- Areas included: which rooms, ceilings, household shelter, kitchen, bathroom ceilings
- Areas excluded: doors, gates, grilles, feature walls
- Timeline, payment terms and any workmanship warranty
This is the exact format we ask every painter in our network to use, so you can compare quotes line by line. Get up to 3 quotes to see it in action.
Add-ons and costs people forget
| Add-on | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Main door (both sides) | $120 – $250 |
| Metal gate with rust treatment | $120 – $300 |
| Window grilles (per set) | $40 – $120 |
| Feature wall (solid colour) | $120 – $350 |
| Anti-mould treatment (bathroom or kitchen) | $80 – $200 |
| Crack repair and skim coat (per wall) | $150 – $500 |
| Extra coat for dark or bold colours | +10% to 25% |
Why HDB painting quotes vary so much
1. Paint quality
Paint is a big part of the cost. A 5-litre tin of entry-level emulsion costs far less than a premium washable or anti-bacterial line. Some low quotes use cheaper paint than advertised or thin it with too much water. Insist on the product name in writing and ask to see sealed tins on the day.
2. Number of coats
One coat over an old colour often looks patchy within weeks. Two coats is the standard. A quote that doesn’t say how many coats is a warning sign.
3. Preparation
Filling cracks, sealing stains and treating mould takes time but makes the finish last. Skipping it is the easiest way to cut a price.
4. Team and insurance
Registered companies with insured workers have higher costs than freelancers working without cover. If a worker gets hurt in your home and isn’t insured, it can become your problem. Read how to choose a painter in Singapore for more on this.
5. Timing
The weeks before Chinese New Year are the busiest time of year for painters. Prices go up and availability goes down. Booking a few weeks earlier, or after the festive season, often gets you a better rate.
DIY or hire a painter?
DIY can make sense for a single room if you’re handy. For a whole flat, consider:
- Materials: for a 4-room flat, budget roughly $250 to $450 for paint, plus rollers, brushes, trays, masking tape, drop sheets and filler.
- Time: what takes a team of three painters 2 to 3 days can take one person a week or more of evenings and weekends.
- Ceilings: these are the hardest part to do well yourself and the most tiring.
- Finish: clean cutting-in at ceilings and edges is what separates a professional finish from a DIY one.
For most people, the difference between DIY and a professional repaint of a whole flat comes down to a few hundred dollars and several days of their time.
7 ways to pay less for HDB painting
- Paint when the flat is empty, before moving in or after moving out.
- Keep colours simple. One main colour and one feature wall costs less than a different colour in every room.
- Bundle add-ons like the gate, door and grilles into the same visit.
- Avoid peak season before Chinese New Year.
- Send good photos so painters can quote accurately without padding for unknowns.
- Compare three quotes in the same format, not one.
- Use partner rates. Painters in our network give us partner rates because we send them steady work. Request quotes here.
HDB painting cost FAQ
How much does it cost to paint a 4-room HDB flat in 2026?
Typically $850 to $1,450 for walls and ceilings with standard emulsion paint and labour included. Walls only is about $700 to $1,200.
How much does it cost to paint a 3-room HDB flat?
Typically $650 to $1,100 for walls and ceilings, or $550 to $900 for walls only.
How much does it cost to paint one HDB room?
About $150 to $350, depending on size and whether the ceiling is included. Many painters have a minimum charge of $150 to $300.
Does the price include paint?
Usually yes. Most HDB painting quotes include paint and labour, but always check the brand and product are named in the quote.
How often should I repaint my HDB flat?
Every 5 to 7 years is common, or when moving in, selling or renting out. Kitchens and bathrooms may need attention sooner because of moisture.
Prices are indicative 2026 ranges for guidance only. See our full Singapore painting price list or HDB painting service page.
